METHOD: Pilot randomized controlled trial. Sedentary patients with BMI 25-45, and no major contraindications for unsupervised physical activity recruited. Participants randomized to receive either brief consultation consisting of 3 in-person meetings, a workbook, and limited telephone contact or usual care with their medical provider including access to community weight-loss groups/resources. Intervention therapists novice pre-professional students. The intervention is manualized and coded for treatment integrity. The main outcome measures are Cohen's d effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals for the change in moderate-equivalent intensity physical activity/week at 3 months relative to baseline assessed by a blinded assessor using the Stanford 7-Day Physical Activity Recall. Secondary outcomes include effect sizes and confidence intervals for changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and depression using the modified Canadian Aerobic Fitness test and Beck Depression Inventory. Analyses to be performed by intention to treat. Missing data to be imputed by baseline observation carried forward.